The '''clove hitch''' is a type of [[knot]]. It consists of two identical [[Half hitch|half hitches]] made successively around an object. It is most effective used as a [[crossing knot]]. Although it can be used as a [[binding (knot)|binding]] knot, it is not particularly secure in that role. (Clifford W. Ashley, ''The Ashley Book of Knots'', New York: Doubleday, 1944, pg 224) A clove hitch made around the standing part of the line is known as either [[Two half-hitches]] or [[Buntline hitch]], depending on whether half-hitches progress away or towards the hitched object.

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| caveat= Can spill if the standing part is pulled forcibly in the wrong direction.

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| animated_image =Clove_Hitch.gif

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| see_also =

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| introduction = [[Image:Clove_Hitch2.gif|left|frame|<center>Clove Hitch<br>(Method 2)</center>]]{{quote-source|Since clove comes from the word cleave meaning “to split”, a [[clove hitch]] is split into two parts like the foot of a deer or a sheep – used to end lashings… form the first half hitch of the clove hitch by taking a bight (loop) around the pole and then across itself.

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Used as a traditional hitch, that is loading only one end, the clove hitch is liable to slip. It requires a load in each direction in order to be effective, such as when being used as a crossing knot. It should not be relied on with rope that is thin or very slippery, as it can work itself loose, especially under a swinging or rotating load. However, for this very reason, the knot is useful in situations where a the length of the running end needs to be adjustable. It can also jam and become difficult to untie under some situations.

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Form the second half hitch of the clove hitch by taking the second bight around the pole and tucking the end of the rope under the rope between the two loops. When pulled tight, the clove hitch should look like an X. The difference between a clove hitch and two half-hitches is that a clove hitch is tied around an object and two half-hitches are tied around the rope’s own standing part.

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To tie a clove hitch, first place a loop around the pole, with the working end of the [[rope]] on top. Run the working end round the pole once more until you meet the place where the ropes cross, then pass the working end under the cross. Pull to tighten.

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An alternative way of tying a clove hitch it to make and overhand loop in the rope. Then make a second overhand loop next to the first loop. Next, without turning over either loop, place the first loop on top of the second loop. Finally, place the two loops over the end of a pole or around the neck of the bear bag and pull tight.|[[Boy Scout Handbook]] p. 139, 11th ed.}}

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{{quote-source|The Clove hitch was, originally, included here with the intention of condemning it. It does have two major failings: it slips and, paradoxically, can also bind.}|[http://www.animatedknots.com/ Grog]}}

It can also be formed [[in the bight]], that is in the middle of a rope, without either end available. To tie it this way, form two back-to-back [[Loop (knot)|overhand loops]] in a rope, and then put the top loop underneath the bottom one. Drop both loops over a post and tighten.

Since clove comes from the word cleave meaning “to split”, a clove hitch is split into two parts like the foot of a deer or a sheep – used to end lashings… form the first half hitch of the clove hitch by taking a bight (loop) around the pole and then across itself.

Form the second half hitch of the clove hitch by taking the second bight around the pole and tucking the end of the rope under the rope between the two loops. When pulled tight, the clove hitch should look like an X. The difference between a clove hitch and two half-hitches is that a clove hitch is tied around an object and two half-hitches are tied around the rope’s own standing part.

An alternative way of tying a clove hitch it to make and overhand loop in the rope. Then make a second overhand loop next to the first loop. Next, without turning over either loop, place the first loop on top of the second loop. Finally, place the two loops over the end of a pole or around the neck of the bear bag and pull tight.